Suffolk Republicans made history Thursday night by endorsing the sitting county executive, a Democrat.

The GOP crossed party lines at their convention in Holtsville to support County Executive Steve Levy. Levy received his own party's support Monday at the Democratic convention. It is the first time in county history that an executive has been endorsed by two major parties.

"I feel very comfortable and flattered that they thought enough of my policies," Levy said.

Legis. Jay Schneiderman (R-Montauk), who admitted he doesn't always see eye-to-eye with the executive, said his party is supporting Levy because of his stance on some core Republican issues like lowering taxes. Schneiderman said Levy's stances on protecting the environment and enforcing "good government" were factors as well.

Republican officials candidly disclosed another major factor: no big GOP names would take the nomination and run against Levy. Polls showed Levy as very popular, they said.

Levy and Republican officials said there were no conditions for the endorsement, and Levy is free to campaign for anyone he pleases in the upcoming election.